"I said something yesterday that was inconsiderate, it was inappropriate, and I hurt people," Housden said. "I want you to know I understand how much I hurt you out there and how much I hurt [Hackett]."

Hackett accepted the apology, calling Housden one of his best friends and referring to the controversy as a "teachable moment."

"We’re becoming a more diverse country, and there’s no excuse. We have to understand the stereotypes. We have to understand each other’s backgrounds and the words that hurt, the words that cut deep," he said during Friday's segment. "We have to find a way to replace those words with love and words of affirmation as well."

The news anchor also said that while he and Housden had moved on, he did find her comments hurtful.

"What she said yesterday was wrong," Hackett said. "It cut deep for me, and it cut deep for a lot of you in the community."

Still, some viewers were not satisfied with Housden's apology, with many taking to social media this week with calls for her to be fired.

LET'S WAVE PEOPLE! Call (405)478-3000. And DEMAND ALEX HOUSDEN BE TERMINATED FOR SAYING JASON HACKETT LOOKS LIKE A GORILLA ON THE NEWS SHOW! TIME TO SHOW OUT AGAINST RACISTS!! pic.twitter.com/mh36vQzdFa

Imagine coming into work and your co-worker tells you that you look like an ape on National TV SMH....I can't make this up! @alexhousden_ should be ashamed of herself for that remark. @koconews obviously felt it was ok bc she's back on air...wow! pic.twitter.com/Q7JLQxU97v